One of the last things you would like to do in a workplace is to deal with a conflict. All too often, it is tempting to instead attempt to handle the conflict by ignoring it. However, this will only lead to stress and resentment building over time. While there are strategies for resolving conflict, there are also several mistakes you should avoid.

1. Don't Fail to Address the Other Party's Complaints

A common mistake is to be defensive. The other party will simply feel like they are not being heard and the conflict will continue to grow. You might feel like you are under attack but it's important to not take it personally and to instead focus on what is being said.

2. Don't Engage in Generalizations

Generalizations will often only make your conflict worse. For example, you will not want to tell a coworker that they are never at work on time especially if this generalization is not always true. Avoid using words like always or never. Instead, focus on the specific incident that you would like to have addressed. Also, you do not want to bring up past conflicts because doing so can often lead to confusion and lead to your conversation becoming off-track.

3. Don't Respond When Angry

After an incident, you will be more likely to be angry and say things you regret. When you are angry, you are less likely to hear the other individual in the conversation and you might adopt a tone that would make the other party less willing to communicate with you.

4. Don't Focus On Your Position

While you may be primarily focused on your position regarding the matter, you will want to focus on how you can explain to the other party that it is in their best interest to do what you are asking the individual to do. The interest of the other party might be physical, such as the need for more money, or it may be emotional, such as the need for recognition. 

If you are concerned about making mistakes that can lead to your conflict becoming worse, one option is to participate in a conflict management training course. You will receive an education on how to diagnose and resolve workplace conflict and you may also be provided with a certificate. You may then be able to use the certificate to pursue careers in which conflict is a common part of the job.

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